nihilism

noun

ni·​hil·​ism ˈnī-(h)ə-ˌli-zəm  ˈnē- 

1

a

: a viewpoint that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded and that existence is senseless and useless

Nihilism is a condition in which all ultimate values lose their value.

—Ronald H. Nash

b

: a doctrine that denies any objective ground of truth and especially of moral truths

2

a

: a doctrine or belief that conditions in the social organization are so bad as to make destruction desirable for its own sake independent of any constructive program or possibility

b

capitalized : the program of a 19th century Russian party advocating revolutionary reform and using terrorism and assassination

nihilist

ˈnī-(h)ə-list 

ˈnē-

noun or adjective

nihilistic

ˌnī-(h)ə-ˈli-stik 

ˌnē-

adjective

Examples of nihilism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The satisfaction of nihilism is not just in his head but before our eyes. —Armond White, National Review, 29 Nov. 2024

One of 5 Segond’s leaders, a Fagin-like figure named Manno who is wanted by U.S. authorities for kidnapping, explained how dismal prospects have fueled a culture of nihilism and swollen his gang’s ranks. —Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024

At their best, these leaders make up an idealistic safeguard against the rampant disinformation, foreign interference, and just base political nihilism that is clogging the conversations about whether the vote tallies this week can be trusted. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024

There’s an exhaustion and a nihilism to these series, which include at least two shows helmed by Jeff Daniels (American Rust and A Man in Full), Curb Your Enthusiasm, and maybe most notably in the earlier prestige years Breaking Bad and The Sopranos. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German Nihilismus, from Latin nihil nothing — more at nil

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Medical Definition

nihilism

noun

ni·​hi·​lism ˈnī-(h)ə-ˌliz-əm  ˈnē- 

1

: nihilistic delusion

2

: skepticism as to the value of a drug or method of treatment

nihilistic

ˌnī-(h)ə-ˈlis-tik, ˌnē- 

adjective